THE WALL OF FACES

Semper Fi, Marine.

South Vietnam: Mar. 18, 1968--Jan. 5, 1969. Unit: D Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. KIA, Operation Taylor Common (3 KIA).

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Raymond Wellington Blandin, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you LCPL Raymond W. Blandin, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Raymond:

You gave your life valiently for our freedom. Born on "Flag Day" you truly
honored the American way of life.

God's richest blessings,

Charles (6/14/58) in whose behalf you served and died.